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Showing posts with the label smartphones

The Robotic Dilemma: Why Text-to-Speech Voices on Apps and Phones Need an Upgrade

**Introduction**: In today’s tech-savvy world, we have AI that can hold natural conversations, generate realistic images, and even sing. Yet, when it comes to text-to-speech (TTS) technology, many apps and built-in phone systems still use robotic, unnatural voices. This post explores why, despite advances in AI, many TTS systems lag behind and why it’s crucial for them to modernize. **The Current State of Text-to-Speech**: While advanced TTS systems developed by tech giants like Google and Apple can produce natural-sounding speech, many popular apps and phone systems continue to use older, more robotic-sounding voices. This includes not only standalone TTS apps like Moonreader and VoiceAloud but also built-in systems on phones, such as Samsung’s text-to-speech [[❞]](https://blog.google/inside-google/company-announcements/investing-america-2022/) [[❞]](https://www.pitiya.com/google-sites-vs-blogger-review.html). **Why Are TTS Voices Still Robotic?**: **1. **Legacy Systems**: Many TTS ap...

The Ethical Implications of Smartphone Support Lifespan: Reducing Waste and Maximizing Value

**Introduction**: In the ever-evolving world of technology, the lifespan of a smartphone is a critical issue, affecting both consumers and the environment. While some manufacturers offer support for their devices for up to five years, others extend this to seven years. But how long should smartphones be supported, and what are the ethical implications behind these decisions?  **The Current Landscape**: Most smartphone manufacturers provide software updates and security patches for their devices for a period ranging from five to seven years. This support ensures that phones remain functional, secure, and up-to-date with the latest features. However, the duration of support varies, leading to significant consequences for both users and the planet [[❞]](https://openai.com/index/news-corp-and-openai-sign-landmark-multi-year-global-partnership/?ref=hackernoon.com) [[❞]](https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/openai-news-corp-multi-year-content-deal). **Post-Support Period**: **1. **Func...

The Evolution of the Smartphone: From Past to Future

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, evolving rapidly since their inception. One of the most significant milestones in smartphone history was the introduction of apps. The ability to download and use various applications turned our phones into versatile tools, allowing companies to create apps for their products and giving users the freedom to customize their experience. The launch of the first iPhone was a game-changer, connecting everyone to the internet through a pocket-sized device. This revolutionized how we access information, communicate, and entertain ourselves on the go. The iPhone truly made the internet portable and accessible to the masses. Early smartphones were impactful because they enabled users to create content. This shift empowered individuals to become content creators, leading to the explosion of social media and user-generated content. Over the years, smartphones have evolved significantly in terms of design and functionality. They've b...